The 2026 International Week of Deaf People (also known as International Week of the Deaf) will take place from September 21 to September 27, 2026, with the official global theme set as Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
People can show support for the International Week of the Deaf by learning basic sign language, advocating for accessibility features like captions and interpreters, and amplifying Deaf human rights campaigns.
Practical Ways to Show Support
- Learn Sign Language: Start learning basic signs in your local sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL), to communicate more inclusively with Deaf individuals.
- Promote Accessibility: Demand and use closed captions on video content, and advocate for sign language interpreters at public events, meetings, and healthcare settings.
- Support Deaf-Owned Businesses: Patronize businesses, artists, and creators who are part of the Deaf community.
- Share Educational Content: Use social media during the week to share information about Deaf culture, human rights, and the World Federation of the Deaf campaigns.
- Practice Good Communication Habits: When speaking with a Deaf person who lip-reads, face them directly in good lighting, speak clearly without exaggerating your mouth movements, and get their attention with a gentle tap on the shoulder or a wave before talking.
You can find more advocacy tips and resources through the National Association of the Deaf.
Major Milestones in 2026
- 75th Anniversary of the WFD: Commemorating 75 years of advocacy and unity since the organization was founded in Rome in September 1951.
- 20th Anniversary of the CRPD: Celebrating two decades since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which defends sign language access.
- International Day of Sign Languages: Celebrated globally mid-week on September 23, 2026.
Daily Focus Themes
- Monday, September 21: 20 Years of the CRPD and National Sign Languages
- Tuesday, September 22: The Right to Quality Multilingual Inclusive Education
- Wednesday, September 23: Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights
- Thursday, September 24: No Access Without National Sign Language
- Friday, September 25: Nothing About Us Without Us
- Saturday, September 26: Deaf Culture Is a Human Right
- Sunday, September 27: 75 Years of Human Rights
